Sen. Jason Perillo

Maddy summaryHB 5064 creates a $5,000 annual tax credit for farmers who donate food to charitable organizations, adjusted each year based on inflation using the consumer price index. This credit directly benefits farmers by reducing their state tax liability for food donations and supports charitable organizations receiving surplus food. The bill establishes a concrete financial incentive to encourage food donations, aiming to reduce waste while aiding food-insecure communities. It does not change existing food donation laws but provides a new tax benefit for qualifying donations.

Maddy summarySB 95 creates a $500 credit against personal income tax for employees working at defense contractors or their direct suppliers/subcontractors. To qualify, individuals must earn under $125,000 annually as single filers or under $250,000 as married couples filing jointly. The credit directly benefits lower-to-moderate income workers in the defense supply chain by reducing their state tax burden. This is a specific tax incentive targeting employees in defense-related industries, not a general tax cut. The bill establishes this credit through an amendment to existing tax law.

Maddy summarySB 59 would replace the current cannabis tax, which is calculated based on the total THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of products, with a flat tax rate. This change would directly affect cannabis businesses selling products in the state, as they would no longer need to measure THC levels for tax purposes and would instead pay a fixed tax per product. The bill's key provision is amending Chapter 214c to implement this simpler tax structure, eliminating variable calculations based on product potency.

Maddy summarySB 58 restores a $2.5 million cap on tax liability for business groups that file taxes together under a "unitary" structure. It amends section 12-218e of the tax code to reinstate this limit, which was removed by a prior law (public act 25-168). The bill directly affects multi-entity business groups that combine their tax filings. This change sets a specific maximum tax amount these groups must pay under the unitary filing system.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The funds are specifically designated to cover the disposal of surface debris at the mouth of the Housatonic River in Stratford. The bill directly affects the town of Stratford and the state's environmental cleanup efforts by providing targeted funding for this specific debris removal project. It does not create new regulations or alter existing laws, but rather allocates existing budget resources for a defined environmental maintenance task.

Maddy summarySB 64 authorizes Connecticut to issue up to $1 million in state bonds to fund renovations at the Connecticut Air and Space Center in Stratford. The proceeds will be provided as a grant to the Center through the Department of Economic and Community Development for upgrading an existing hangar. This funding directly supports the Center’s operations, specifically expanding its educational and community programming. The bill focuses on physical infrastructure improvements rather than new facilities or broader policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 28 requires the state budget for fiscal year 2027 to appropriate funds directly from the General Fund to support nine regional fire training schools, rather than using specific taxes or fees like insurance premium surcharges. This bill directly affects the nine regional fire training schools by securing their funding through standard state budget appropriations. The key provision mandates that funding must come from the General Fund in the state budget, eliminating reliance on targeted revenue sources. The bill does not change the schools' operations but specifies how their funding will be allocated. This is a procedural budgetary measure with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summarySB 42 creates a tax credit that allows taxpayers to reduce their personal income tax bill by the amount paid for Medicare and Medicare Advantage plan premiums. This directly affects individuals who pay Medicare premiums and file personal income tax returns. The credit applies to premiums paid during a taxable year and lowers the taxpayer's overall income tax liability. The bill does not change Medicare eligibility or premium amounts but provides a direct tax benefit for those already paying for Medicare coverage.

Maddy summarySB 78 eliminates income limits that previously restricted who could deduct Social Security benefits from their personal income tax. It directly affects taxpayers receiving Social Security benefits who currently face income thresholds preventing the full deduction. The bill amends section 12-701 of the general statutes to remove these qualifying income thresholds, allowing all eligible Social Security benefit recipients to deduct their benefits regardless of their total income level. This change simplifies the tax deduction process for affected taxpayers without altering the deduction amount itself.

Maddy summarySB 17 appropriates $1.5 million to fund the removal of harmful chemicals (PFAS) from fire trucks and equipment. It provides grants to municipalities, independent fire companies, and state agencies for this purpose, including reimbursement for removal work completed before July 1, 2023. The funding is allocated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year through the Department of Emergency Services. This bill directly affects local fire departments and state emergency services by covering costs associated with replacing PFAS-containing equipment.